Albania’s National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) has warned WhatsApp users to take extra precautions following reports of account compromises in several countries across the region.
Authorities urged users to protect their accounts against attempts to gain unauthorized access, particularly scams involving verification codes, suspicious links and requests for account information.
In a public advisory, AKSK said some users had reportedly lost access to their WhatsApp accounts, while relevant authorities are investigating how the compromises occurred.
How to Protect Your WhatsApp Account
AKSK recommends that users take the following steps:
- Enable two-step verification: Go to Settings → Account → Two-step verification and activate the feature.
- Never share verification codes: Do not disclose WhatsApp verification codes, passwords or other account information to anyone.
- Check linked devices: Regularly review the Linked Devices section and immediately log out any device you do not recognize.
- Avoid suspicious links: Do not click links received through SMS, WhatsApp or email, particularly if they ask you to verify your account.
- Be alert to unexpected registration requests: If you receive a verification code or notification indicating that someone is trying to register your WhatsApp account on another device without your authorization, do not share the code or approve the request.
- Secure your email account: Protect the email address associated with WhatsApp with a unique password and multi-factor authentication.
- Use official recovery procedures: If you lose access to your account, rely only on WhatsApp’s official recovery procedures and support channels.
AKSK stressed that verification codes are personal and should never be shared, even if a request appears to come from someone the user knows.
“Even when the request appears to come from someone you know, verify it before taking any action,” the authority said.
The warning comes amid broader concerns about account-takeover attempts and social-engineering scams targeting messaging-app users in the region.
